Patient care before first appointment

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Please continue to see your patient and arrange the relevant tests while they are waiting for their first appointment at the Women's.

Routine tests to order for your patient:

Please note that these tests are mandatory pre-referral requirements for pregnancy care at the Women’s.

  • Blood  group and antibodies
  • Full blood examination
  • Ferritin
  • Hepatitis B serology
  • Hepatitis C serology
  • Syphilis serology
  • Rubella antibodies
  • HIV antibodies
  • MSU M&C or urinalysis

Other tests that you might consider:

  • Varicella antibodies
  • Chlamydia
  • Haemoglobin electrophoresis and additional thalassemia testing
  • GTT or other screen for diabetes
  • Vitamin D levels
  • TSH
  • Cervical Screening

Discuss Down syndrome testing and arrange if appropriate:

  • Early combined screening test (blood test in 10th week and ultrasound as 12 weeks) or a maternal serum screening test at 15-17 weeks
  • Non-invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) for cell-free fetal DNA
  • Diagnostic testing (CVS or amniocentesis)

Ultrasound Scans that you might consider:

We have limited ability within our hospital to provide routine ultrasound scans. As such, we rely on GPs to organise the following investigations in the community: 

  • 12 week ultrasound (nuchal translucency)
  • 20-22 week ultrasound (fetal morphology)

Concerns regarding pregnancy ultrasound

If a woman's referral for pregnancy care at the Women's has been accepted, and you have concerns regarding the results of a pregnancy ultrasound scan performed in the community, we can assist you in the following ways:

  • Help with the interpretation of the ultrasound
  • Arrange a follow-up tertiary scan if required
  • Arrange an appointment for the woman to discuss the results with a hospital doctor or genetic services
  • Book a CVS or amniocentesis (if she has been counselled and consented by you). You need to provide the Shared Care Maternity  Coordinator with a letter with:
    • Woman's details
    • EDC
    • Your details, what is requested with reason and blood group

You are also welcome to contact the Shared Care Co-ordinator on (03) 8345 2129 or email SharedCare@thewomens.org.au

Please note

  • Copies of all results should be provided to the patient before their first appointment.
  • Please advise patients to bring the results to their first appointment at the Women’s to facilitate complete clinical assessment.